Esher Sixth Form College Academy Trust

Meet the Academy Trust Board Members

Oliver Schuster – Chair of the Board

Oliver has held senior leadership positions in international organisations, including COO roles at Bank of America and Wolters Kluwer Financial Services, and Director at the Royal Bank of Canada, and is  now a Senior Manager at the Bank of England. In these roles, he has successfully led transformational initiatives, driving operational efficiency, delivering sustainable growth, and managing complex organizational change projects. Having lived in Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, and Canada, Oliver lives locally to the College and when time permits enjoys long distance cycling. Oliver was elected Chair of the Board in September 2025 and is Chair of the Strategy and Policy Committee and member of the Finance and Estates Committee.

Claire Douglas – Trustee

Claire has a background in Financial Services, having begun her career in Foreign Exchange Sales on the trading floors of JPMorgan and Societe Generale and more recently as a founder member of a diversity recruitment company, strategically advising City firms on achieving greater diversity and placing candidates into senior roles. Claire is well versed and knowledgeable in diversity and recruitment, career progression, interview training, CV writing as well as managing client relationships, banking and financial services and effecting cultural change.  Claire lives locally and has 2 children who attend local schools, she is a huge advocate of further education and helping young people progress into the workplace.  Claire is a member of the Strategy & Policy and Finance & Estates Committees.

Mark Aulds – Trustee

Mark is a chartered Engineer and previously worked for a large multinational manufacturing company where he was responsible for all UK manufacturing processes and certifications. Mark works at a local school where he is the science technician and is involved in a local Scout Group.  Mark is a parent at the College and is a member of the Quality and Standards and Finance and Estates Committees.

Tom Clark – Trustee

Tom is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and is a Director at Wellden Turnbull where he is responsible for engagements in the firms audit department. He also leads recruitment of the annual graduate intake.  Tom lives locally to the College and is Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Finance and Estates Committee.

Natasha Meade – Trustee

Natasha is a proud alumna of the College, originally from the island of Montserrat. With over 17 years of experience in financial services, she has spent the past 12 years specialising in compliance advisory roles across global banking institutions, with expertise spanning financial crime, policy governance and credit markets. Driven by a commitment to giving back to the institution that helped shape her own journey, she joined the Board of Trustees determined to champion the College’s vision of high expectations and outstanding achievement for every student. Natasha currently serves as Chair of the Quality and Standards Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee.

Alex Davy – Trustee

Alex is an IT consultant with over 15 years of experience in the public sector, including projects for the Department for Education. Alex is also developing a social enterprise that supports 16 to 19-year-olds in turning their skills and interests into practical, sustainable business ideas.  Alex is a parent at the College and is a member of the Audit and Quality and Standards Committees.

John Thater – Trustee

Former music and media journalist and senior media executive turned business and education consultant. Oxford graduate (English, St. Catherine’s College). Father of two, both teachers. Daughter attended Esher College and enjoyed the experience. Resident in Thames Ditton for over 30 years. Enjoys reading, playing tennis and visiting the Home of Football. Arsenal season ticket holder.

Liz Gilroy-Scott – Trustee

Liz is a senior change leader experienced in managing complex technology and business change portfolios and programmes across a variety of different sectors including Financial Services, Insurance, Legal and the Charity sector.  Liz currently works as a Director of Strategic Projects Office at Kingston University and lives locally to the College. Liz is a Member of the Quality and Standards and Finance and Estates Committees.

Jane Duscherer – Trustee

Jane works in financial markets and is currently working for thinkFolio which is a multi asset portfolio and order management system. Jane’s son attended the College and she was a Parent Trustee before taking on an external Trustee role.  Jane is a member of the Audit and Quality and Standards Committees and is the Link Trustee for Career Progression.

Mark Nelligan – Trustee

Mark is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered accounts in England and Wales and a director and owner of Wellden Turnball, a local accountancy practice. Mark lives locally to the College and is Chair of the Finance & Estates Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

Michaela Canessa – Trustee

Michaela works as Director of Student Experience and Transition at Rosebery School in Epsom, supporting students at key stages of their educational journey and helping to shape a positive and inclusive whole-school experience.  She is keen to bring my educational experience, local understanding, and commitment to student wellbeing to support the college’s strategic development.  Michaela is a member of the Strategy and Policy and Quality and Standards Committees.